Clip Studio Paint 2.0 - Review of the Best Features

Howto & Style

Introduction

Clip Studio Paint released a major update in 2023, and in this article, we will explore some of the new features that make it useful for digital art. This version, 2.0, brings significant improvements to color mixing, the addition of a customizable head model, a hand pose scanner, a fisheye mode for the perspective ruler, shading assist mode, liquify for multiple layers, spin blur filter, and the align and distribute layers and objects feature. Let's take a closer look at each of these features and discuss their benefits.

Color Mixing Mode:

One of the most significant new features in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 is the new color mixing mode. This mode allows for more natural and intuitive color mixing. In traditional art, mixing yellow and blue creates green, but in digital art, the same mixture results in gray. With the new perceptual mixing mode, you can get the desired green color by mixing yellow and blue. Additionally, you can adjust the brightness correction to make the color mixture lighter or darker. This feature not only affects color blending but also enhances shading, giving a more natural look to the artwork.

Head Model:

Another exciting addition to Clip Studio Paint 2.0 is the customizable head model. This model enables users to generate realistic 3D heads that can be used as a reference for their artwork. The model can be highly personalized, with sliders to adjust proportions, facial features, age, and gender. While this feature is great for practice drawing and character references, it currently lacks the ability to open the mouth, change the mouth expression, or open and close the eyelids. Thus, more detailed customization options might be required for professional work.

Hand Pose Scanner:

The hand pose scanner is an innovative tool that allows users to capture their own hand poses and apply them to 3D models. This feature enables artists to create realistic-looking hands in their artwork. The scanner works with a camera or webcam, making it easy to scan and apply hand poses in real-time. While the resulting hand shape may not be an exact match due to structural differences between the model and the user's hand, it offers a close approximation. The only drawback is clicking the OK button, which can be a bit challenging while holding up your hand. A countdown timer or alternative method for capturing poses would be beneficial.

Fisheye Mode for Perspective Ruler:

Clip Studio Paint 2.0 introduces a new fisheye mode for the perspective ruler. This feature allows you to bend the vanishing points, creating a fisheye lens effect. By adjusting the guides, you can achieve various effects, such as a bug's eye view or a distorted perspective. However, please note that this feature is only available in the Pro and EX versions.

Shading Assist Mode:

Shading Assist is a powerful new tool that automatically generates shading on top of flat colors. This feature saves artists significant time in the shading process. Users can choose between smooth shading and cell shading, with options to adjust light sources, color presets, and shadow distribution. While the results of cell shading may appear jagged initially, applying a Gaussian blur can help alleviate the issue. The smooth shading mode offers more control over highlights and shadow strength. Overall, this tool provides an efficient way to add shading to artwork.

Liquify for Multiple Layers:

Clip Studio Paint 2.0 introduces the ability to liquify multiple layers simultaneously. This functionality is highly useful for making adjustments directly on the canvas without having to merge layers. With the Liquify tool, artists can make small or drastic changes to the overall shape or space of their artwork while keeping the colors and lines separate. The only downside is that using high strength or stretching images could result in slightly blurry pixels.

Spin Blur Filter:

A new feature in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 is the Spin Blur filter. This tool allows users to create a spinning blur effect, adding motion or depth to objects. By adjusting the blur strength, direction, and shape, various effects can be achieved, such as objects appearing to move quickly or creating a sense of focal depth. This filter is exclusively available in the Pro and EX versions of Clip Studio Paint.

Align and Distribute Layers and Objects:

The Align and Distribute feature in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 makes it easier to work with layers by aligning and distributing them based on their centers or edges. This tool is especially useful for organizing multiple elements and creating patterns. By selecting multiple layers or objects and using the Align and Distribute panel, artists can easily align them along their edges or evenly space them apart.

Summary of Keywords:

The key features of Clip Studio Paint 2.0 include color mixing mode, customizable head model, hand pose scanner, fisheye mode for perspective rulers, shading assist mode, liquify for multiple layers, spin blur filter, and align and distribute layers and objects.

FAQ:

  1. Is the color mixing mode in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 more natural and intuitive? Yes, the color mixing mode allows for a more natural and intuitive color blending process.

  2. Can the head model in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 be fully customized? The head model in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 can be customized to adjust proportions, facial features, age, and gender. However, it lacks some features like opening the mouth or changing expressions.

  3. How does the hand pose scanner work in Clip Studio Paint 2.0? The hand pose scanner allows users to capture their hand poses through a camera or webcam and apply them to 3D models in real-time.

  4. Can the Liquify tool in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 be used on multiple layers simultaneously? Yes, the Liquify tool in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 can be used on multiple layers simultaneously, making it easier to make adjustments without having to merge layers.

  5. What is the Spin Blur filter in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 used for? The Spin Blur filter in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 creates spinning blur effects, which can be used to add motion or depth to objects in artwork.

  6. How does the Align and Distribute feature in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 help with layer organization? The Align and Distribute feature in Clip Studio Paint 2.0 allows users to align and distribute layers and objects based on their centers or edges, making it easier to organize multiple elements and create patterns.

This major update to Clip Studio Paint brings a range of valuable features and improvements for digital artists. From realistic color mixing and customizable 3D models to a hand pose scanner and advanced tools for shading, liquifying, and effects, these updates enhance the capabilities of the software. Whether you are a professional artist or a hobbyist, Clip Studio Paint 2.0 offers a wide array of features that can significantly enhance your digital art workflow.